It’s
safe to say that education has changed more than a little since the day
of the one room school house. With personal computers and Internet
accessibility, WVL students are able to learn in a very different kind
of classroom – their own homes. WVL virtual education offers every
student:
* personalized learning to meet the needs of every child
* the use of the most modern materials, technology, and teaching methods
* a supportive learning environment with lots of interaction with teachers and other students, both online and off.

Online
learning is a wonderful alternative to a traditional brick and mortar
education. WVL combines 21st century technology, personalized
instruction and interactive curriculum with highly qualified teachers.
We are dedicated to the success of each of our students. Every
student receives one-on-one support, personalized learning, extensive
course options, socialization, a laptop, and partial internet
reimbursement after being with us a full year.

Students of Wisconsin Virtual Learning can do school anytime,
anywhere. This flexibility is definitely an advantage to our school.
Time that may be wasted in transitioning during the day at a Brick and
Mortar school, is spent on learning. Students often can finish a day’s
worth of coursework with time to spare; this allows them to pursue other
interests such as sports, music, or the arts. High school students can
even explore occupations and try out jobs during hours that most high
school students aren't available. Additionally, the flexibility that WVL
offers is extremely important for some of our students with medical
conditions and special needs. These students can build in time for
appointments or necessary breaks so that learning will not be lost due
to these conditions.

Additionally, in our very competitive, high-tech world, students of
Wisconsin Virtual Learning have a step up on other students that miss
out on taking online courses. The popularity of online learning in the
college environment continues to grow and our students already have
the skills needed to manage their time and do well in an online
environment.

Wisconsin
Virtual Leaning offers three different pathway opportunities. The
first, the virtual pathway, offers students live classes that meet at a
specific date and time each week. Out of the three pathways, this allows
for the most teacher support. Students attend class to learn and
interact with their classmates. The second is the independent pathway.
If it is determined that this pathway is the best fit for the child, the
student works through the curriculum at their own pace with teacher
support during office hours or study hall. This is a great option for
highly motivated students that may want to move through the curriculum
at a faster pace than their classmates. Lastly, the blended pathway,
allows students to combine both the virtual and independent pathway. For
example, a student may need more support in math and language arts so
he or she could take those two classes virtually. That same student
could then take science and social studies independently so he or she
could move through those courses at a faster pace.

Our student learning advocate (SLA) position also makes our school unique.
Each family is assigned their own student learning advocate and that
person becomes the family’s primary contact at our school. The SLA will
help with everything a family needs from organizing their day to looking
up forgotten passwords and helping them track the progress of their
child. New families have told us that their SLA was their lifeline
during the first year as they learned the ins and outs of virtual
education.

Additionally, we are the only program in the state to offer Little
Lincoln, a curricula that spans from 4K-2nd grade. It is set in the
wonderful world of Midlandia and offers elementary students the
opportunity to become part of an interactive online world where they are
exposed to engaging, fun, and educational videos, games, stories,
songs, and more. In addition, the offline portion is designed to give
students a hands-on learning experience with plenty of opportunities for
extra practice and reinforcement. Our littlest students and their
parents love the Little Lincoln curriculum!

A
wide array of students find success in our school because of our
different pathways, courses, curriculum, and of course, excellent
teachers. Many students find school more motivating when they are
allowed to take control of their learning by adjusting their pace to
allow for more time to cover difficult topics or less time to cover
content that can be mastered easily. It gives both the student and the
family more freedom and we see both prosper from this type of education.
Since school is done more efficiently, students aren’t going to school
for upwards of eight hours and then coming home with 1-3 more hours of
homework to complete. Families that would really like more quality time
with their children, and are not satisfied with their child’s current
education, should definitely check out Wisconsin Virtual Learning!

“What
about socialization?” is one of the most popular questions we receive
from parents regarding online learning. WVL offers a huge variety of
opportunities for our students to socialize and get to know each other,
both in person and online. It is refreshing to
hear students discuss and connect with each other based on their
thoughts and ideas, not based on their age, how they dress, or who their
other friends are. This type of online socialization is fostered during
live classes, special events, online clubs, and supervised chat groups.
Similar opportunities are offered to the parents as well. Additionally, WVL offers outings and have many active parents across the state that
organize face-to-face events in their area. Our families do an excellent
job of making sure their children still get the personal skills they
need by taking part in these and other opportunities through their local
park and recreation department, church, YMCA, or social groups.

Depending
on the age and learning program developed for each student, there is a
team of educators and teachers who will support each student:

* Student Learning Advocate: one per family with WVL students.
The SLA is the primary family contact that ensures that students are progressing academically and also participating in school activities.
* Teacher Facilitator: the teacher for each independent class
* Virtual Classroom Instructors: teachers who hold regularly scheduled online classes
* Guidance Counselor: traditional support role
* Special Education Staff: traditional support role
* Parents: parent involvement is one of the factors that has a great impact on the student success rate.

The teachers are at the center of our commitment to our students,
and this focus has propelled Wisconsin Virtual Learning to a reputation
of excellence across Wisconsin and the nation.

WVL
uses a variety of online curriculum providers in order to tailor the
educational program to the personalized learning needs of each and every
student. In addition, our learning management system gives teachers the
ability to customize lessons and assessments, similar to what teachers
do in traditional classrooms.

No,
from our K4 program on up to high school, there are variety of offline
learning activities. As our students progress through the grade levels
they spend progressively less time away from their computers.

Yes,
depending on the grade-level and curriculum used by the student, books
and other offline materials are an integral part of WVL programs. As a
rule, there are more materials for students in the elementary grade
levels and less for the high school courses.

Yes,
students may loan a laptop to use while attending WVL.​ In doing so, we
require an annual $50 nonrefundable fee per student for our laptop
protection plan coverage. The laptops may only be used for online
learning, virtual classes, and other school purposes; they are not for
private use. Students must also comply with our Technology Acceptable
Use Policy.

WVL
students have a safety net under them we call the Pyramid of
Interventions. Students who do fall behind on their studies will be
supported by a large team of WVL educators who will provide the support
necessary to get the student back on track. WVL teachers see student
success as the only option.

Wisconsin Virtual Learning

Wisconsin Virtual Learning does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of its operations. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the school's programs. Wisconsin Virtual Learning also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.